If you want to get paid to travel, and you’re not into the travel blogger thing, being a roadie for a band is probably the next best thing.

I’m writing this post backstage at a rock and roll concert, and I fully realize how lucky I am to be saying that.

I was in Guatemala and going on a year of travel when my childhood friend emailed me asking if I wanted to drive his band across the USA on the upcoming 3-week tour.

My first response was something along the lines of “Fuck yes!” I asked for some time to think about it, but I confirmed after about an hour. This is the beautiful thing about leading a spontaneous and free lifestyle. The freedom to say yes to anything.

I’m not trying to preach. I’m not saying you should quit your job and pursue your dream just like that. But I am telling you that I quit my jobs (after saving money) and pursued one of my dreams, and it has changed my outlook on life.

The important thing is this: I decided to embark on a 3-month backpacking trip because I had had a burning desire to do so since my early teens. I extended it, twice, now 3 or 4 times, despite knowing I would spend all of my money. And right as I was running out of money after a year of travel, I was offered this job to essentially keep doing what I want to be doing: traveling, having adventures. The difference now is that I have a schedule and responsibilities to the band of course. But I would do it for free. So it truly doesn’t feel like work.

I just want to encourage people to do what makes them happy, and be a cheap bastard in order to do that. Be broke. Be frugal. But be happy. Cliche, but I’ve found it to be true, so it must be worth repeating.